YOU could play at being ace jockey Frankie Dettori at the first ever Sunday race meeting in the history of York Racecourse.

The race meeting on September 3, sponsored by the Evening Press, is a fun day out, with attractions which include a bucking bronco-style racehorse simulator.

Frankie used such a simulator, made by Cheshire company Racewood Ltd, to recover from serious injuries sustained in a plane crash in June.

He is expected to be riding at the groundbreaking Sunday meeting, which is geared particularly towards first-time racegoers.

James Brennan, marketing manager for the racecourse, said: "In 1995, the law was changed to allow betting on a Sunday, and we wanted to be sure a full Sunday race meeting was something we wanted to do. We thought the Millennium was the ideal time to do our first one."

Along with the simulator, the meeting will feature parachutists dropping in on the track, a horse parade, and other fun events.

About 60 members and guests of York Soroptomists are attending. The president, Barbara Geddes, is a keen racegoer and will be holding a picnic in her garden beforehand.

She said: "York is the best racecourse in the country. All we need is good weather and luck on the day."

For discounted entry, subject to ticket availability, keep collecting your buy-one-get-one-free tokens appearing daily in the Evening Press until Saturday.

Three tokens are required for each free ticket. More details and a ticket application form are being published regularly until that date.

Racegoers can also pay as they enter the racecourse or write to the Ticket Office, York Race Committee, The Racecourse, York, YO23 1EX, enclosing a cheque. Full-price tickets in the County Stand are £20 and tickets in Tattersalls cost £10 each.